Faults and service for this model with this engine

Audi A1 (8X) 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111)

Petrol · 2010–2018

known faults

Faults typical of this model

22.5 %

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All about the Audi A1 (8X)All about the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine

The 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine was fitted to the Audi A1 (8X) (2010–2018). In the EU that is 22.5 % of all new cars of this generation.

The most expensive known risk is increased oil consumption: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €100–3,000 to fix.

Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)

✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.

Timing chain stretch (1.2 TSI built before 10/2011)

usually 30,000–120,000 km · High risk

model years 2009–2012 onlyengine codes: CBZA, CBZB, CBZC

Signs: Rattle for a few seconds on cold start, later constant rattle, engine light; the chain can jump and destroy the valves

Fix: Check chain elongation with diagnostics; replace chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets with the revised (post-10/2011) kit

€700–1,500

Timing chain stretch or tensioner fault (1.4 TSI)

usually 60,000–180,000 km · High risk

engine codes: CAXA, CAXC, CAXD, CMSA, CNWA, BMY

Signs: Rattle for a few seconds on cold start, camshaft position codes, engine light; the chain can jump and damage the engine

Fix: Check chain elongation with diagnostics; replace chain, guides, tensioner and the oil pump drive chain parts; check the camshaft adjuster

€800–1,800

Piston / ring land damage (1.4 TSI twincharger)

usually 60,000–160,000 km · High risk

engine codes: BMY, BLG, BWK, CAVA, CAVB, CAVC

Signs: Misfire, low compression on one cylinder, rising oil use, EPC light

Fix: Compression and leak-down test, endoscope check; replace the damaged pistons or the short block; use 98 RON fuel

€2,000–5,000

Increased oil consumption

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Oil level warning between services, blue smoke, sooted plugs

Fix: Measured consumption test; check crankcase ventilation and leaks; on confirmed ring wear new rings or pistons

€100–3,000

Turbo wastegate actuator or linkage fault (mainly 1.2 TSI)

usually 60,000–160,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: EPC light, sudden power loss, boost codes such as P0299 / P334B, rattle from the turbo

Fix: Check the actuator and linkage; free the linkage or fit the VW shim kit, otherwise replace and calibrate the actuator, or the turbo if the flap is worn

€300–1,200

Water pump leak (twincharger: pump with supercharger clutch)

usually 60,000–160,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Coolant loss, temperature warning; on the twincharger also weak low-rpm pull or a squeal when the supercharger engages

Fix: Pressure-test the cooling system; replace the water pump (on the twincharger the pump module with the magnetic clutch) and the drive belt

€250–700

Carbon build-up on intake valves

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Rough idle when cold, hesitation, power loss, misfire codes

Fix: Inspect with an endoscope; clean the intake valves mechanically (walnut blasting); fuel additives do not reach the valves

€250–700

Faults typical of this model

Door lock / central locking

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Doors don't lock

Fix: Replace the lock unit

€80–220

Front anti-roll bar links / bushes

usually 120,000–280,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Knocking over bumps

Fix: Replace links / bushes

€60–150

Heater blower resistor

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Fan works only on some speeds

Fix: Replace resistor

€30–90

Gearboxes

Manual

Clutch wear

usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Slipping, high bite point

Fix: Replace clutch kit

€500–900

DSG DQ200 (7-speed, dry clutch)

Mechatronic pressure loss (cracked accumulator / valve-body housing)

usually 60,000–200,000 km · High risk

Signs: Jerky or hard shifts, flashing gear display, odd or even gears drop out, then limp mode or the car will not move (codes such as P17BF)

Fix: Have the hydraulic pressure checked by a DSG specialist; repair the housing / accumulator with a revised kit or fit a reconditioned mechatronic unit, then run the adaptations

€700–2,500

Gearbox control unit short / blown fuse (early units)

usually 20,000–150,000 km · High risk

model years 2008–2012 only

Signs: Gearbox warning and sudden loss of drive (clutches open, car freewheels), usually just after starting; gearbox fuse found blown

Fix: Check whether the recall / service action was done (control unit and mechatronic oil change); otherwise repair or replace the control unit and use the current oil

€0–1,800

Early dry-clutch wear: judder and slip when pulling away

usually 50,000–150,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Judder or shudder when pulling away or parking, slipping, burning smell, warning to stop when the clutch is hot

Fix: Read clutch wear and adaptation values with a dealer-level tester; reset adaptations first, replace the double clutch (with release levers / bearings) if worn

€900–1,600

Service plan for this engine

Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,500–5,550. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.

Intervals and typical prices for the Audi A1 (8X) with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.

Item	Interval	Typical price
Engine oil + oil filterEngine	every 10,000 km or every 12 months	€70–150
Cabin (pollen) filterClimate	every 15,000 km or every 12 months	€15–40
Brake fluidBrakes	every 24 months	€50–95
A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate	every 24 months	€70–150
Air filterEngine	every 30,000 km or every 24 months	€15–45
Spark plugsIgnition	every 60,000 km or every 48 months	€50–160
Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine	every 120,000 km	€70–180
Coolant replacementCooling	every 150,000 km or every 96 months	€70–150
Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine	every 150,000 km	€0–120
Manual gearbox oilTransmission	every 150,000 km	€60–130
Front brake padsBrakes	usually at 30,000–60,000 km	€60–150
Front brake discs + padsBrakes	usually at 60,000–120,000 km	€150–320
Rear brake padsBrakes	usually at 50,000–90,000 km	€50–130
Tyres (set of 4)Wheels	usually at 40,000–60,000 km	€320–700
Wiper bladesBody	checked at service	€20–50
12V batteryElectrical	checked at service	€100–220

Official recalls

Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (1). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.

Airbag Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident20/02/2017 · R/2017/078

Common questions

What are the biggest risks of the Audi A1 (8X) with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine?

The faults with the highest risk: increased oil consumption (80,000–200,000 km, €100–3,000); turbo wastegate actuator or linkage fault (mainly 1.2 TSI) (60,000–160,000 km, €300–1,200); water pump leak (twincharger: pump with supercharger clutch) (60,000–160,000 km, €250–700).

Does the Audi A1 (8X) 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) have a timing belt or a chain?

Chain.

Which oil does the Audi A1 (8X) 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) need?

5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~3.6–3.9 L · every 10,000 km.

The same model with other engines

1.0 / 1.2 / 1.4 TSI (EA211)1.4 / 1.6 TDI (EA288)1.2 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI CR (EA189)1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888)

Other models with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine

Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) 2009–2017 Volkswagen Golf VI 2008–2012 Audi A3 (8P) 2003–2012 Škoda Octavia II 2004–2013 Škoda Fabia II 2007–2014 Škoda Yeti 2009–2017 SEAT Ibiza IV 2008–2017 Volkswagen Tiguan I 2007–2016 Volkswagen Touran I 2003–2015 Škoda Rapid 2012–2019 Volkswagen Golf Plus 2005–2014 Volkswagen Jetta VI 2010–2018

Sources and notes

Main sources for the faults of this engine:

Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →

Updated 29/10/2026

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